Maharishi Charak and His Great Master…
How the great soul emerged from ashes……
Maharishi Charak who practically renowned as ‘Father of Medicine’ today and reverentially remembered by each doctor who practiced any discipline in medicine was said to be lived between AD 150 -200 to 100 BC.
He is mostly remembered for his everlasting work on compiling and editing the Books of Medicine and Medical Treaties known as Charak Samhita.
There was one quite famous but nowadays completely forgotten story about him and his master’s great relationship which is quite heart felt and touchy in many ways.
It is said that Maharishi Charak was in his earlier days wasn’t much lucky with finances and mainly studied on available scholarships and alms which he got during his study in Gurukul- The Older institution of India where children were taken at very tender age and were trained until they became young.
Each child supposed to select one branch of given subjects and became prominent into it along with many other specialties. So Charak chose Medicine and Physiology and soon he became the apple of his Master’s eye because of his diligence in studies.
When he completed his studies with other batch mates, the time came to pay generously the Guru- Daxina– the amount in form of money, cows or land to the Master as a payment of their residential studies. Charak was dumbfound because he did not have enough money to pay to his master and felt how sorry and pitiful being he was. It was a taboo in ancient time that by not paying Guru Daxina the bad omen chased the disciple and he may forget his gained knowledge. When Charaka’s master knew about his dilemma he approached him and kept one weird demand against him. His Guru said,
“Vatsa, I taught you everything about the medicines I know and gained throughout the years, but still I am curious about something that has kindled in my heart since years.” His master’s eyes were twinkling with hint of curiosity and some unknown feeling.
Charaka was speechless. His master was known to have profound knowledge and sheer attainment of lost ancient scriptures that were very rare. People said that his master already has already attained the Nivvana. Charaka had asked out of piling curiosity in his heart. “Guruji, may your humble disciple can ask what is it that still unknown to my great master? I would like to listen to if you find me the appropriate one?”
The master laughed jovially and patted Charaka’s back with affection. “My dear child, I always think I have known all the secrets of medicine, but I still wonder if there is anything remain in the world that couldn’t be used for medicine and cannot heal or cure anyone? I want you to visit the Sky, Earth and Netherworld and find anything if you may – a mineral, stone, metal, bacterium anything you can and bring it to me. Consider it as your Guru Daxina.” The master looked at Charaka with meaningful eyes as if challenged him for such adventure.
Charaka was more than pleased because he finally got chance to serve his master. 12 years he studied the medicine under his master’s guidance and then he was on his expedition to find out something which would not use for medicine or cure.
He visited the Upper Mountains and reached the fathom of oceans. He checked with the lands to terrains and investigated each available property on earth. 12 years he studied with master and precisely 12 years he spent on studied the objects. After 12 years of limit that his master has given him was over, he returned to his master empty handed and broken heart. He was looking like haggard. Unkempt, disheveled, torn cloths, long beard and matted hair.. hardly noticeable one. His old master with little difficulty identified him and asked about anything he brought along with.
Charaka cried profusely and declared that he was a useless disciple who did not fulfill his master’s only wish.
His master’s old, wrinkled eyes twinkled with new charm, but he wanted to confirm so he asked twice. “What do you mean Charaka, you came empty handed? Did you return from incomplete journey?”
Charaka said, “Not at all Guruji, I could swear on everything I have learnt from you that I have turned down everything in entire world and reached farthest places of the world, tested everything that possible exist in the world and documented my findings in precise order on these scrolls, but alas.., unfortunately I did not find anything which couldn’t use in medicine.”
Charaka sobbed more and begged. “Forgive me Master, I cannot pay your Guru Daxina, how unfaithful and hopeless disciple I am?!” His old master gained new shot of energy and vigour by listen those words. He got up and embraced Charaka in his lean arms.
“My child, My Charaka,, My learned disciple.. please don’t cry.. Today you gave this old hermit a whole world.. You paid my Guru Daxina most efficiently and carved your name in my heart forever..!!”
Charaka was speechless and couldn’t understand anything. His master took him again in his embrace and said very affectionately. “Charaka it was your final examination that you have passed with flying colours. Actually, there is nothing in the world which cannot be used in the healing and curing the diseases. But I wanted to test your knowledge and therefore gave you the task to find such material. If you would come back with something, than my whole 12 years preaching would be futile. But you made me proud today. You are the only disciple of mine who has absorbed my teachings and the knowledge like a sponge. You made me empty today. I cannot teach anyone now onwards because my proud disciple is standing in front of me.”
“Today, I make the decree that now onwards the history only will remember your name as Maharishi Charak. Your compilation of work will be renowned as Charak Samhita.. Your name will be remember as a Father of Medicine and people will give you the same respect as they give to the Great Ashwinikumaras and The Lord of Nectar and Divine Medicines –God Dhanvantariji.”
Charak couldn’t utter a single word. He was processing everything said by his master, and when his brain supplied him what exactly his master was proposing, he immediately refused his master’s such sacrifice. But his master was adamant.
“My child, this master was only conveying the divine knowledge to you, but the way you have digested the knowledge, there is no place remain for your master. I will go in seclusion now and will spend my remained days in peace. Now world will forget about your master and only will remember you.”
The story ends here but left many roots to understand behind. So far as his master concerned, some said his name was Rishi Agnivesh, while some predicted he was MahaRishi Agastya himself, but no one can say it in confirm order.
This story reflects what exactly any disciple should have while they initiated themselves on their desired Sadhna – a path of cultivation. A sheer dedication, full presence of mind and body and faith in their master that would open the key of hidden knowledge for the disciple. 12 years of study and 12 years of extensive field research carried out without being exhausted or brought second doubt in mind about his master’s intention, transform a simple disciple into the Great Maharishi Charak.
“So friends, this channel would open such kind of hidden treasures or nuggets of wisdom buried in the history and scriptures that would help you to unleash your own potential and understand the world around you in new light.”
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